July 31 / 20.30 Sandown

20.30

Good

Trustford Handicap

  • Prize money: £4448.9
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
RTV
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Trustford Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Scattered showers

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 436311 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Bang-in-form front-runner who bids to complete a hat-trick after recent 1m wins at Leicester (good to firm) and Kempton (AW); latest 5lb rise asks quite a lot of him but further progress is possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(4)

19th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Salamanca Lad

9st 10lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Front-runner; completed hat-trick in 1m handicaps in the summer, and ran creditably again when fourth of eight over 1m2f at Sandown last month; just as effective on AW; should give another good account of himself.

9/2

4th

2

(2)

18th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 1f 209y

Class 4

16:25 Sandown

Salamanca Lad

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Front-runner; completed a hat-trick in 1m handicaps this summer, the last leg at this track; disappointing at Haydock next time but better than ever when beaten a head at Southwell (1m, AW) 16 days later; all his improvement has been at 1m, having tried 1m2f twice in the spring before he was tongue tied, so this step back up in trip asks the key question.

4/1

2nd

2

(9)

26th Aug 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

17:35 Southwell (AW)

Salamanca Lad

9st 10lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Completed a hat-trick in 1m handicaps this summer but he came up short in his bid for a four-timer at Haydock 16 days ago; promise in one C&D run in March; another career best required to win.

6/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 6-5726

Last run: 45 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Weakened into sixth on last month's turf debut and still needs to prove himself on grass, but made promising handicap debut when running-on second at Lingfield (7f, AW) two starts ago and could still have significant untapped potential over this new trip; visored for first time; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

8

(3)

1st Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

14:40 Bath

Never Mind Me

9st 7lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: Andrew Balding

A mixed bag so far, going close at Chelmsford (7f, AW) in June and Sandown (1m, good to firm; first-time visor) the following month, but hasn't threatened in his other six starts; enough to prove especially in the conditions.

14/1

9th

11

(11)

10th Sep 2024

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 5

17:35 Lingfield (AW)

Never Mind Me

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Twice beaten half a length this summer, at Chelmsford (7f, Polytrack) in June and at Sandown (1m, good to firm) in July; a player on those efforts, but he reportedly bled at Kempton last month which would be a concern.

7/1

7th

10

(5)

12th Aug 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:45 Kempton (AW)

Never Mind Me

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Took his record to 0-6 but emerged with credit when second of ten at Sandown 12 days ago (1m, good to firm; visored first time), keeping on well; 2lb higher today but returning to Polytrack will be no issue and he's a leading contender.

9/2

OUR TIP

8/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 888662

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Ran on well for second when upped to 1m at Newbury (good to firm; first-time visor) four weeks ago and remains unexposed over this trip but his tendency to race too freely remains a nagging concern.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(7)

2nd Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

18:45 Chelmsford (AW)

Flag Carrier

9st 8lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Brian Toomey

Both wins have been on AW, latest over C&D off 4lb higher in March; ran best race since when 3l second to a well-backed subsequent winner at Kempton last week (7f; blinkers on for second time); headgear retained; chance.

4/1

2nd

2

(7)

24th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

19:40 Kempton (AW)

Flag Carrier

9st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Brian Toomey

4lb higher than for his Chelmsford win in March; his other success came over C&D in January 2024; has the ability to feature but he's disappointed at Lingfield (AW) and Brighton on last two starts; headgear now returns.

12/1

2

(1)

31st Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 216y

Class 5

15:52 Brighton

Flag Carrier

9st 12lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Brian Toomey

Ran poorly (hung badly right home turn) on Lingfield AW five days ago; 0-8 on turf but has form figures of 23322 over 1m in this sphere, giving him clear place claims.

14/1

Form: 8-3603

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Has not made any further progress since last summer's Epsom maiden win, but put some below-par runs behind her when third behind Hello Cotai there (8.5f, good) a fortnight ago and remains on a workable mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(7)

29th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Unreal Connection

10st 5lb

J: Miss Amy Collier

T: Gemma Tutty

Sole win from 19 starts came on turf at Epsom (7f fillies' maiden) in August 2023; more miss than hit since joining Gemma Tutty (0-4), although there was a slight glimmer at Wolverhampton (7f; third) in November; blinkers make a return and that potentially offers hope.

25/1

7th

5

(7)

29th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Unreal Connection

10st 5lb

J: Miss Amy Collier

T: Gemma Tutty

Sole win from 19 starts came on turf at Epsom (7f fillies' maiden) in August 2023; more miss than hit since joining Gemma Tutty (0-4), although there was a slight glimmer at Wolverhampton (7f; third) in November; blinkers make a return and that potentially offers hope.

25/1

7th

6

(9)

14th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Unreal Connection

9st 1lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Gemma Tutty

Sole win was in an Epsom maiden 16 months ago and she was never involved over 8.6f here (seventh of 11) last time; cheekpieces are now added but she's been in and out this year and her tactical speed will be tested back at this trip; others are more convincing.

12/1

10/1

Form: -21514 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
2-5 in handicaps for new stable this season, the latter win gained in first-time cheekpieces at Ffos Las (1m, good) last month; ought to have been suited by the good to soft ground when only fourth of five there three weeks ago, though, and now has a point to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(7)

23rd Aug 2024

Soft

0m 7f 80y

Class 6

15:10 Ffos Las

Calm Waters

9st 11lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Rod Millman

slowly into stride

11/4

5th

5

(1)

31st Jul 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Sandown

Calm Waters

9st 4lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Rod Millman

2-5 in handicaps for new stable this season, the latter win gained in first-time cheekpieces at Ffos Las (1m, good) last month; ought to have been suited by the good to soft ground when only fourth of five there three weeks ago, though, and now has a point to prove.

10/1

4th

4

(5)

10th Jul 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:50 Ffos Las

Calm Waters

9st 1lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: Rod Millman

Well held in three runs for the Gosdens but she's been progressive for her current yard and made it 2-4 in handicaps when scoring over C&D (good; cheekpieces added) two weeks ago; a 5lb rise for that comfortable success looks fair and this well-bred filly could continue on the upgrade; big player.

11/4

6/1

Form: 362422 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
In the frame four consecutive times since returned to turf this spring, most recently when close second of 12 at Bath (1m, good) a fortnight ago; moves up from 0-60 grade and has to take a 3lb rise on the chin but the first-time cheekpieces are a possible source of improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

16

(9)

23rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Windsor

Monks Mead

9st 2lb

J: William Carver

T: Mark Usher

Turf winner who was in good nick on AW during the winter and he scraped home to secure Lingfield classified (1m2f) in January; another solid effort when runner-up in similar event last time and he's respected back on grass after two-month break.

12/1

2nd

10

(12)

25th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

17:52 Lingfield (AW)

Monks Mead

9st 9lb

J: George Bass

T: Mark Usher

Goes well round here (AW and turf), including when just holding off Iftikhaar in a weak affair over C&D in January; continued in form since and is more likely than most at this level to give his running; each-way shout.

10/1

3rd

5

(1)

25th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

16:12 Lingfield (AW)

Monks Mead

9st 9lb

J: George Bass

T: Mark Usher

1m2f win here last month has been followed by good efforts back here and at Chelmsford (behind Man Is King); returning to a mile unlikely to be a problem and he's one to consider.

6/1

Form: 708436

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful as 2yo for Richard Hannon but has regressed this year; last of six at Epsom (1m2f, good) on latest outing a fortnight ago and needs to get his career back on track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(6)

4th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

16:52 Newcastle (AW)

Commander Crouch

9st 5lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Gemma Tutty

Two creditable shows in midwinter, including over C&D, but his sole win was back in 2023 and he ran no sort of race on this track in January; needs to shrug that off.

12/1

8th

9

(4)

14th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Commander Crouch

8st 11lb

J: Ethan Jones

T: Gemma Tutty

It's now 19 outings since his last victory but he wasn't discredited when fourth of ten in 1m Southwell handicap 11 days ago; possibilities.

7/1

8th

9

(4)

14th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Commander Crouch

8st 11lb

J: Ethan Jones

T: Gemma Tutty

It's now 19 outings since his last victory but he wasn't discredited when fourth of ten in 1m Southwell handicap 11 days ago; possibilities.

7/1

7/2

Form: 242321

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Largely consistent in headgear this year and came good with clearcut success at Epsom (8.5f, good) a fortnight ago, his 12th start; probably needs another career best but is evidently in very good nick.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

(5)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

20:45 Windsor

Hello Cotai

9st 1lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Jim Boyle

Three wins for Adam West including one on the AW in France; encouraging return/stable debut at Lingfield (1m2f, AW) in April but didn't build on it at Newbury (1m, good) last month; others preferred.

8/1

6th

5

(4)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:08 Newbury

Hello Cotai

9st 5lb

J: Olivia Haines

T: Jim Boyle

Three wins (8.5f/9.5f) for Adam West; ran encouragingly (close third) in 1m2f AW contest at Lingfield on stable/seasonal debut and has possibilities provided he builds on that effort.

13/2

Form: -45787

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in 5f novice in September but has become disappointing this season and was well beaten when upped to 1m on Polytrack a week ago; has too much to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(6)

31st Jul 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Sandown

Ottoman Force

9st 2lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Darryll Holland

Runner-up in 5f novice in September but has become disappointing this season and was well beaten when upped to 1m on Polytrack a week ago; has too much to prove.

33/1

7th

5

(9)

24th Jul 2024

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

14:20 Lingfield (AW)

Ottoman Force

9st 7lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Darryll Holland

Runner-up in Beverley novice last September and he's dropping down the weights after failing to make much impact this season; his sole AW run (final 2yo start) was worse; some recent headgear but none today and he is upped in trip.

25/1

8/1

Form: 0-845

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Last of five on seasonal/handicap/turf debut at Doncaster (1m, soft) three weeks ago but remains very unexposed and today's much faster ground could quite plausibly show him in a much better light.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(3)

31st Jul 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Sandown

New Statesman

9st 3lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Ed Walker

Last of five on seasonal/handicap/turf debut at Doncaster (1m, soft) three weeks ago but remains very unexposed and today's much faster ground could quite plausibly show him in a much better light.

8/1

5th

5

(8)

11th Jul 2024

Good

0m 7f 213y

Class 5

17:30 Doncaster

New Statesman

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ed Walker

Left behind when the pace increased at Kempton last time but the winner of that race was no less than 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech; gelded since; goes handicapping with potential.

6/1

4th

4

(3)

27th Jan 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:00 Kempton (AW)

New Statesman

8st 10lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Ed Walker

started quickly

100/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £53.00
Straight Forecast £46.65
Tricast £358.00
Trifecta £519.20

Selections

The Times:

Salamanca Lad

POSTDATA:

Hello Cotai

The Guardian:

Monks Mead

SPOTLIGHT:

Never Mind Me

D Express:

Unreal Connection

RP RATINGS:

Commander Crouch

Telegraph:

Hello Cotai

Daily Mail:

Monks Mead

Daily Mirror:

Salamanca Lad

The Sun:

Salamanca Lad

The Star:

Salamanca Lad

Daily Record:

Salamanca Lad